Bayern Munich Deny Reporting Real Madrid to FIFA Ahead of Transfer Ban

Bayern Munich have denied rumours they reported Real Madrid to FIFA ahead of the Spanish side receiving a transfer ban for illegally registering youth players to the club.

Jose Carlos Menzel of AS quoted Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge speaking about the rumours, after reports suggested it was a complaint from the Bundesliga champions that forced the disciplinary action by the world governing body.

“Bayern have nothing to do with this,” Rummenigge said to AS. "This rumour is simply not true. As is well known, the relationship between the two clubs is very good.”

Menzel reported Madrid believe "an anonymous tip-off" prompted FIFA to take action. The ban will prevent Los Blancos from registering new players for two transfer windows after the current January market is closed.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Madrid have announced they will appeal FIFA's decision to impose the registration embargo against them, declaring the sanction "absolutely inappropriate," with the allegations described as "untrue."

The Spanish giants published a statement on their official website, saying:

"

Real Madrid C. F. has today received the decision from the FIFA disciplinary committee, dated 23th July 2015, sanctioning the club with a transfer ban that prevents them from registering any players for the next two complete and consecutive registration periods as well as fining the club 360,000 Swiss francs.

[...]

As a result, Real Madrid C. F. will appeal this decision of FIFA in all the sporting incidents, considering them absolutely inappropriate.

"

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Real will be allowed to sign players during the current window, with the embargo enforced when the current transfer period closes, but captures after this point will not be able to play for the team until sanctions end in 2017.

FIFA's official website revealed the news of the embargo, with neighbours Atletico Madrid also punished. The Rojiblancos also plan to appeal the decision, as noted on their official website.

The statement from the governing body read: "The two clubs were found to have violated several provisions concerning the international transfer and first registration of minor players as well as other relevant provisions with regard to the registration and participation of certain players in competitions." 

Bleacher Report's Karl Matchett believes Atletico are better prepared for the ban than Real, as they have a young and hungry squad already at their disposal:

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

The transfer ban mirrors that experienced by Barcelona, as reported by BBC Sport, but the sanctions did not stop the Blaugrana becoming treble winners, sweeping the trophies at home and abroad.

However, Real will want to fund new coach Zinedine Zidane in the next year, as the icon restructures the football club and its playing squad.

Zidane's hands could be tied if FIFA uphold the ban, but the Frenchman still has a host of extraordinary talent to call upon, even if he cannot make transfers a reality until next year.